By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

As they faced off in the finals for the second time in three seasons, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters survived the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles once again, 1(4)-1(3), to achieve the title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s football tournament earlier tonight, December 15, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.

FEU had to compete without team captain Mel Baylon and semifinal goal scorer Karl Absalon due to the two receiving their second yellow card during the said game contra University of the Philippines last December 8, resulting in a one-game suspension.

The Tamaraw Booters found good looks in the 12th and 30th minutes of the first half with Selwyn Mamon and Eugene Arriola’s shots on target, respectively, but Blue Eagle goalkeeper Artuz Cezar defended both strikes.

Both teams tried to string along more pushes, but the first half ended still at 0-0.

The struggle to score for the contenders extended into the second half, getting close to each other’s goal but not converting.

Fortunately, a breakthrough for FEU came at the 65-minute mark, as Libarnes took on a one-versus-three situation against Ateneo in the penalty area. Despite his first close shot getting blocked, the forward delivered on his second chance to take the lead, 1-0.

Just seven minutes later, however, Katipunan booter Leo Maquiling went on to equalize with a high-arching strike, too high for Morayta-based goalie Mon Diansuy to defend, 1-1.

Tamaraw Booters Ace Amita and Libarnes had very close attempts in the final stretch of regulation, but no goal was achieved, forcing an extra 30 minutes of play to ensue.

In the second minute of the first extra time, Amita established a good position inside the penalty area once again. However, his shot only hit the top bar of Ateneo’s goal.

With both teams not being able to snatch a point in the remainder of extra time, the championship had to be decided through a penalty shootout.

Forward Edgar Aban missed on the green-and-gold squad’s second penalty kick, causing them to go down, 1-2. Fortunately, Diansuy successfully blocked the blue-and-white booters’ last two attempts, ultimately sealing their reclaim of the gold with a final shootout score of 4-3.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Morayta squad head coach Roman Oliver mentioned their win being a result of them deserving the championship more.

“To win the final in the penalty, it's heart. At the end, penalties [are] also a bit of luck, right? But because we deserve it, luck was with us. We are very happy,” he said.

This season’s finish mirrored the Season 85 finals, wherein the three-seed Tamaraw Booters reigned supreme over the top-seed Blue Eagles to take home the crown.

As both senior football teams clinched this season’s football titles, the now-collegiate champion coach then highlighted FEU’s dominance in the sport and their aim to continue their success.

"Now it's time to enjoy it. It shows how strong is the University, how well we are working. Yesterday, the [women] also, they are champions, today, we are champions with [men]. Next year, Season 88, we are going to defend our golds,” Oliver added.

With Arriola’s last playing year and Abdulasser Mustapa and Gerald Estores graduating, they will end their UAAP careers as champions, granting the University its 12th men’s football title.

(Photo by Gwyneth Mendoza/FEU Advocate)